Bristol / Abingdon / Marion Area

Blacksburg / Wythe Ranger District- The Blacksburg / Wythe Ranger District is home to many beautiful campgrounds and panoramic vistas. The area even boosts raptor migration popular with bird-watchers.Breaks Interstate Park- Breaks Interstate Park is often called the Grand Canyon of the South due to its 5 mile long and 1/4 mile deep gorge formed by the raging Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River. Over 300,000 people visit this remote park each year.Clinch Ranger District- Clinch Ranger District is a popular destination offering camping, picnicking, hiking and swimming as well as magnificent scenery.Grayson Highlands State Park- Many people refer to this park as Virginia's most beautiful. The park is adjacent to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area that is part of Jefferson National Forest.Hungry Mother State Park- This lovely mountain park includes a 108-acre lake in a mixed forest setting. In addition to the usual park amenities, Hungry Mother offers an award-winning restaurant and the Hemlock Haven Conference Center.Mount Rogers National Recreation Area- Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is home to the highest point in Virginia, over 5,000 feet. This area is known for its terrific multi-use trails, particularly popular with equestrians and mountain bikers. It also boosts as having beautiful scenery and numerous trout waters.Mount Rogers Scenic Byway- Mount Rogers Scenic Byway is in two sections with both being equally beautiful. The byway is located northeast of Roanoke and is easily accessed from Interstate 81.Natural Tunnel State Park- The natural tunnel, for which this park was named, is believed to be over one million years old. Carved through limestone and dolomite, the tunnel attracts hundreds of visitors each year.Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve- This beautiful preserve travels alongside Big Cedar Creek until it joins the peaceful Clinch River. It boasts an array of rare plant life among interesting geological formations.Wilderness Road State Park- This park lies within a historically and geographically significant region of Virginia. In 1775, Daniel Boone carved the Wilderness Road, and by the 19th century over 300,000 settlers traveled this road westward through Cumberland Gap into Kentucky and the Midwest.

Description
- Rich in outdoor recreation opportunities, this region offers the Virginia Creeper Trail, Mt. Roger's National Recreation Area, Grayson Highlands State Park, Hungry Mother State Park and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Abingdon is home of the historic Barter Theater and the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum. Bristol is home of Bristol Caverns, which are the largest caverns in the Smoky Mountain Region.

Location -
This region is located in southwestern Virginia along Interstate 81 north of the Tennessee line.

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Additional Information:Blue Ridge Highlands Travel Region - The Blue Ridge Highlands includes seven State Parks, a National Forest, a natural area preserve, two scenic byways and access to the Appalachian Trail.Virginia Community Areas - Virginia is characterized by the rolling mountains and deciduous forests of the western region of the state. Beaches, marshes and a plethora of historic properties also bring millions of tourists to the state each year.